In order to ensure broader public access to clinical trial data, a system should be in place that provides the desired information while protecting patient privacy and the integrity of the data, according to a report published online Oct. 21 in the New England Journal of Medicine. 

Digisonics, a Best in KLAS provider of cardiovascular information systems (CVIS), has introduced functionality for Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) calculations.  Appropriate Use Criteria are evidence-based guidelines to assist referring physicians and other providers in making the appropriate imaging or treatment decision for a specific clinical condition/indication. Digisonics recognizes that reimbursement audits will be tied to appropriate use scores in the future, so there is considerable benefit for facilities that utilize the Digisonics CVIS to monitor appropriate use scores and produce the required structured reports.

On Oct. 1, 2014, the ICD-10 system will replace the current ICD-9 codes. ICD-10 implementation will change the way coding is currently done and the code set will grow from 14,315 diagnosis codes to more than 69,099 codes. These changes will require a significant effort to implement the new system and this is the time to start preparations in your practice.

The American College of Cardiology’s NCDR® ICD Registry™ and the Heart Rhythm Society will host a webinar on Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. ET on how to leverage the ICD Registry to measure and improve quality of care while simultaneously addressing physician needs for ABIM's Part IV Maintenance of Certification Program.

A web-based program for managing patients with high blood pressure that included a pharmacist component was cost-effective, according to a study published online Sept. 16 in the American Journal of Managed Care.

The use of telestroke consultations improved the rate of treatment with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) at community hospitals in patients who have had acute ischemic strokes, according to a study published in the October issue of Neurosurgery. The percentage of patients who received IV- tPA during the study period was significantly higher than the national average.

UltraSPECT, a leading provider of image reconstruction technology that reduces radiopharmaceutical dose and acquisition time for nuclear medicine (NM) exams, announces today that study data has shown UltraSPECT solutions are a viable method for meeting American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) low dose guidelines. Furthermore, technologists are able to rely on their existing imaging protocols, providing added confidence in overall results. UltraSPECT will be demonstrating this solution to conference attendees at the upcoming ASNC Annual Meeting, September 26-29, in Chicago.

Two new facilities have selected the Digisonics Cardiovascular Information System.  The National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. and Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center, in Eagle Pass, Texas will implement the Digisonics CVIS for cardiovascular image review and structured reporting.